14 Day River Cruise from Yangon to Yangon

Explore the best of Myanmar, known as "The Golden Land," on this captivating journey along the Irrawaddy River. Start in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, with a walking tour of the city's highlights and a visit to stunning Shwedagon Pagoda - considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in the world. On the Irrawaddy, encounter a tapestry of exotic flavors and partake in memorable interactions with the locals. Cruise the most scenic part of the river past lavish shrines, teak forests, and riverside villages lost in time. Embark in Bhamo, the northernmost point ships can navigate the river, and sail through the dramatic second defile with its magnificent cliffs. Interact with the local school children and visit a fisherman's home for a glimpse of daily life at the island village of Kyun Daw. In Katha, visit a local market and an elephant camp for a ride through the teak forest. Present alms, offerings of food, to the monks at a monastery in Kya Hnyat. Take a walking tour through a pottery-making village to see the process from start to end and tour bustling Mandalay. In Amarapura, stop at U Bein Bridge for an unforgettable sampan ride at sunset. Explore some of the most important temples and watch the sunset over the plains of Bagan, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. All this and more awaits you on this incredible adventure!

It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 85-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Special experiences by local entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise.

Visit a local tea shop for tea with the locals

Traditional puppet show

Visit a farmer's home to learn about his daily life

Interact with local monks

Ride an elephant

Meals

Breakfast: American breakfast daily

Lunch: 11 lunches

Dinner: 11 dinners including a welcome dinner in Yangon

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Yangon, Myanmar

Welcome to Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the country's largest city and former capital. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2 Yangon

This morning, take a WALKING TOUR of the city's famous and historic landmarks, including the High Court, City Hall, Central Railway Station, and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Stop along the way at a LOCAL TEA SHOP for a cup of tea/coffee with the locals. After lunch, visit CHAUKHTATGYI to see the massive reclining Buddha measuring in at 213 feet. Afterward, continue to SHWEDAGON PAGODA, the most important religious site in the country and a national symbol. Here, a truly enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa and locals come to pay their respects. Tonight, your welcome dinner is in one of Yangon's best restaurants. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Yangon-Bhamo (Embarkation)-Second Defile

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhamo. Upon arrival, EXPLORE BHAMO by local trishaw and by foot, then transfer to the port and board the Avalon Myanmar to begin your CRUISE on the Irrawaddy. This afternoon, get acquainted with the ship and sail through the DRAMATIC SECOND DEFILE with its magnificent cliffs reaching down the narrow channel. Join a welcome reception this evening prior to dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Kyun Daw

This morning, visit the fascinating island village of Kyun Daw, where over 7,000 stupas surround the monastery. Take a WALKING TOUR for memorable encounters with the villagers. Visit a FISHERMAN'S HOME to learn more about daily life here and a SCHOOL to interact with the children. You will also visit a NUNNERY to present the nuns with food purchased the day before at the market in Bhamo. Unlike monks, they have to collect and cook their own food. As you sail south this afternoon, with some luck, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin with its distinctive round forehead. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Katha-Tigyang

This morning, visit a LOCAL MARKET, where you will see the locals buying and selling fish, meat, produce, and more. Then, journey a short distance outside the city to an ELEPHANT CAMP in the teak forest. Skilled mahouts will show you how they have worked with elephants for centuries, and you will have the opportunity to RIDE AN ELEPHANT through the forest. Sail to the small village of Tigyang for an afternoon WALKING TOUR through its narrow lanes and to visit the pagoda and reclining Buddha on a hilltop with stunning views. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Kya Hnyat

This morning, visit the village of Kya Hnyat with its many Buddhist monasteries. Here you will INTERACT WITH THE MONKS at a local monastery. Each morning they don their distinctive saffron-colored robes and walk through the streets to collect alms, offerings of food, like cooked rice and curry. This is a truly memorable experience as you present alms to the monks and witness their lunch ritual. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Kyauk Myaung

Today, take a WALKING TOUR through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung. Here you will learn more about the pot-making process and see how they are formed, fired, and glazed. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars in colonial times. These pots could transport large quantities of liquor, fish sauce, peanut oil, and more, and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Mingun-Mandalay-Amarapura

This morning, take a WALKING TOUR through the village of Mingun to see its bronze bell, considered the largest working bell in the world. You will also stop at the famous unfinished pagoda, where construction was abandoned at 160 feet, only a third of the planned height. Afterward, sail a short distance to Mandalay. Visit nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar, later in the afternoon. Your visit focuses on the famous U BEIN BRIDGE, a three-quarter-mile-long bridge built in 1783 from reclaimed teakwood from the old royal palace in Inwa. The bridge is still a cornerstone of the community as locals and monks use it daily to cross Taungthaman Lake while fishermen and farmers go about their daily work below. Take a SAMPAN RIDE on the lake for memorable views of the sunset behind the iconic bridge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Mandalay

After breakfast, visit a TAPESTRY & WOODCARVING WORKSHOP to learn more about these cottage industries and see the skilled artisans at work. Then, stop at stop at a GOLD LEAF WORKSHOP to see how it is made. Lastly, visit MAHAMUNI PAGODA, the most revered shrine in Mandalay, to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha. Due to the continual application of gold leaves, officials estimate the gold is approximately six inches thick. This afternoon, visit KUTHODAW PAGODA and SHWENANDAW MONASTERY, the only remnant of former King Mindon's "Golden City" to survive the bombing of World War II. Originally the king's living quarters, the building was moved after his death to its current location and converted into a monastery. Today, the original gilding has faded, but the intricate wood carvings endure, giving you a sense of how extravagant the original teak palace complex was. This evening, enjoy a TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCE featuring local song and dance. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Sagaing

Today, visit Sagaing, an important religious site with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Here, stop to see KAUNGHMUDAW PAGODA with its golden egg-shaped dome-unique among more traditional pagodas in Myanmar. Next, on to a SILVERSMITH WORKSHOP to learn how the local artisans turn silver into beautiful works of art. Lastly, explore SOON U PONYA SHIN PAGODA at the top of Sagaing Hill for stunning views of the Irrawaddy and across to Mandalay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11 Shwe Pyi Thar

Relax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship's lounges or your suite. This afternoon, take a WALKING TOUR through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here you will visit a LOCAL FARMER'S HOME to learn more about daily life here and see the locals making palm candy, a sweet and smoky candy, from the sap of the toddy palm. To harvest the sap, a climber scales the toddy palm and hangs an earthen pot under a slit he cuts in the tree. The sap is then cooked in an iron pan over an open wood fire until it thickens and can be formed into small pieces by hand. After dinner, a TRADITIONAL PUPPET SHOW will be presented in one of the lounges. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12 Bagan

Today, explore Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It is estimated that during this time over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city-an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today, making this one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Early risers can visit one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness sunrise. After breakfast, your morning excursion starts with a visit to a LOCAL MARKET selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis-a versatile sheet of cloth worn around the waist by most local men and women. Then, stop at the ornate SHWEZIGON PAGODA, one of the country's most important shrines. You will also visit a LACQUER WORKSHOP to learn more about this ancient craft. After lunch, your sightseeing centers on the BAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE. Highlights include ANANDA, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and DHAMMAYANG YI, the best preserved monument left standing. Also stop to see the exquisite and well preserved fresco paintings at SULAMANI. Your day ends with an OX CART RIDE to a temple, where you will ascend to the top as the sun sets. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13 Bagan (Disembarkation)-Yangon

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 14 Yangon

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Call (520) 445-6812 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12626640

Dates and Prices do not include air travel. Participation in this vacation requires purchase of the following flights from Avalon Waterways, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at $743. Required intra-vacation air segments: Yangon/Bhamo; Bagan/Yangon. Air prices in this brochure were effective on April 6, 2016, and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher.

Port charges: $85

Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included.

Price is per person, based on double room occupancy.

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra Nights per person in Yangon:in single room $339; in twin room $192

Prices shown above include cruise in category B in a Panorama Suite on Irrawaddy Deck.

To upgrade to a Category A on the Mandalay Deck, add $400 per person in double occupancy or $800 in single occupancy.

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you.

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with AirOur volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. For Europe vacations with return air outside of 331 days, Flex air is available under the Early Airfare Price Guarantee. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Flight schedules are unavailable with Early Airfare. Schedules will be confirmed when your air departure date is within 331 days to departure. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contract classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon Waterways in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable service fee ($30 per person for North America, $50 per person for International air). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Early Airfare Price Guarantee is not available with Instant Purchase Air. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full land and air deposit or full air payment as noted above, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & FeesAir-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.